Happy Canada Day!

• History of Canada Day

             Canada Day occurs on July 1st, the anniversary of Canada's confederation. Canadians commemorate the day with parades, fireworks, cookouts, and concerts. The popularity of the holiday has been on the incline since the late 1960's and has since become a nationwide celebration.

       Formerly known as "Dominion Day," Canada Day marks the 
anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, joining Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country. The Constitution Act granted Canada a substantial amount of independence from England, although complete independence was not given until 1982. Prior to 1900, there was little Canadian nationalism as many Canadians regarded themselves as British citizens. The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor Canada's 50th birthday. It was not until 1946 that Phileas Cote, a member of the Quebec House of Commons, sent a private member's bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. The Senate responded by recommending the holiday be named the "National Holiday of Canada." Since no one could agree on the name, the bill was defeated. The government first recognized Canada Day in 1958 by holding a trooping of the color on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. 

• Breakthroughts

            In addition to independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day also marks a number of revolutionary breakthroughs and significant events. The first national radio hookup was initiated by the Canadian National Railway on July 1, 1927. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) held their first cross-country broadcast on Canada Day in 1958. The first color television transmission in Canada was held on July 1st of 1966. In 1967, the Order of Canada was inaugurated. "O Canada" was also named the official national anthem on Canada Day, 1980.

• Activities

     Canada Day  is recognized with parades, fireworks, carnivals, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Many Canadians also engage in popular outdoor activities like sports, barbecues, and trips to the beach. 

     The biggest celebration is held in Canada's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Events are held in museums and parks across the city. Onlookers can find historical presentations, live music, children's activities, and sports games throughout the day of July 1st. The festival ends with a grand finale of fireworks over Parliament Hill. The Queen of England is often in attendance.

     Canada Day is celebrated in conjunction with the United States' Independence Day during the International Freedom Festival. Fireworks are shot off over the Detroit River, and residents of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario come together in joint-celebration.

      It is no coincidence that Canada Day is celebrated during one of the warmest months of the year. Whether you spend the day in the sun or participating in your favorite Canadian event, I suggest that you must plan the perfect activity for this holiday. I have come up with a list of unique indoor and outdoor activities geared to celebrating our heritage and summer.

• Go to the beach. Use the holiday as an excuse to bake in the sun, enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
• Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog. Most Canadians spend this holiday outdoors so you will be able to take advantage of the summer heat and maybe make a new friend.
• Have your family and friends over for an old fashioned barbecue. Sip on Labatt Blue beer and appreciate what it means to be Canadian.
• Go to your towns local parade. Show your pride by dressing up in all red and white, you will get extra points from your friends if face paint is involved.
• Go to a carnival. Eat fried dough, snack on cotton candy, drink beer, go on all of your favorite rides and play all the games.
• Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands will play music at outdoor venues.
• Lounge by the pool and read a good book. Maybe have a nice cold ice cream and enjoy the weather.
• Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of feet in the air.
• Go to your local brewery. Canadians love beer, so there is no better way to celebrate our birthday than to take a tour of your favorite brewery. Many of these tours are free and come with samples.
• Go camping. Take a couple days off of work and enjoy everything that the Canadian wilderness has to offer.
• There is nothing more Canadian than hockey. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Take an exhibit tour and honor your favorite players.
• Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love honor and respect our country.
• Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful and patriotic than watching the colorful explosions light up the sky.
• Go fishing. Canada is famous for their awesome bass fishing and this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
• Go on a bear watch. This unique activity allow you to get up close and personal with grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
• Go white water rafting. Canada's rivers offer a variety of different difficulty levels so whether your a rafting pro or a rookie in search of an adventure rafting is always a fun activity.

• Fireworks

        It's time to light the candles for Canada's 146th birthday! Time to party like it's 1867! I have compiled all the information you need to know about Canada Day festivities in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax. Each city has its own unique way of commemorating the Constitution Act, from skateboarding competitions and pancake breakfasts to live performances and choreographed fireworks. 

      This section lists all the vital details on where to go and what to do in each city, including dates, times, locations, tips, and schedules. Whether you are celebrating atop Parliament Hill or on the shores of Lake Ontario, make sure you bring your maple leaf flag and lots of Canadian pride.

  #1 Ottawa

     Ottawa throws the biggest Canada Day bash in the country. The capital city is  hosting fireworks and live performances by some of the world's biggest 

musicians.

    Canada Day 2013 will be bigger and better than ever in Ottawa, Ontario. A plethora of events will be held all over the city from dawn til dusk, from skateboarding competitions to historical presentations. The biggest festivities can be found on Parliament Hill beginning at noon with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Parliament Hill
Time: 6:30pm Concert, 10:00pm Fireworks
Address: 33 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5C4

 #2 Vancouver

         Vancouver is known for hosting some of the most popular Canada Day celebrations. Participants can celebrate our birthday with live music, great food, bike races and fireworks.

     Every year, thousands of Canadians participate in Vancouver's Canada Day celebrations. The city features numerous patriotic events, all of which include beautiful venues and fun activities. The biggest Canada Day celebration is being held at Granville Island, one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks. From 7am until midnight, Canadians can enjoy a pancake breakfast, live jazz music, and a South Asian cultural extravaganza, which includes traditional dances, bollywood fashion and ethnic food.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Granville Island
Time: 7:00am to Midnight
Address: Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  #3 Halifax

      With free food, parades, fireworks and a live concert, Halifax and Dartmouth's Canada Day celebration is one of the most phenomenal in the country.

     Dartmouth Crossings is hosting one of 2013's biggest Canada Day celebrations. The events take place in various locations throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and then go watch the Royal Nova Scotial international tattoo parade in downtown Halifax from 10:30 to 11:30. The parade begins at Sackville Street and continues to Metro Centre. For families with younger children, the Great Canadian Family Fun-Fest on the Commons will be held from 12 to 4pm.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Dartmouth and Halifax
Time: 8:00am to Midnight
Address: Alderney Landing, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

#4 Toronto

        Toronto's Canada Day festivities include free concerts, street performances, 

and a spectacular display of fireworks over Mel Lastman Square.

      Toronto is celebrating Canada's 146th Birthday on Friday July 1st at Mel Lastman Square. 2011 Canada Day is anticipated to be the biggest yet. The city will host ongoing festivities throughout the day, but the biggest events will occur between 8 PM and 10:30 PM. The entertainment events will begin at 8 PM with a concert from Canadian native Ray Robinson. He will begin with the Canadian National anthem followed by R&B, soul, and gospel music. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Time: 5:00pm Entertainment, 10:15pm Fireworks
Address: 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M, Canada

Have fun with your family and friends on Canada Day :)
Again, Happy Birthday Canada!